Permits Filed For Major Construction Project at Disney’s Animal Kingdom



Tropical Americas Concept for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

The world of Disney is ever-evolving, continuously enhancing the magical experience for its visitors. One such development is the major construction project at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which recently hinted at progress through a newly filed permit.

A New Permit Fuels Anticipation

A new permit filed by Disney suggests that plans for a significant construction project at Animal Kingdom are moving forward. The permit, filed with the South Florida Water Management District, discloses enhancements in a laydown yard, an area traditionally used for substantial projects.

Notably, this laydown yard was utilized during the construction of Pandora – The World of Avatar. The laydown yard is strategically situated to the north of Kali River Rapids, lined by a boundary road that extends past DinoLand USA and Expedition Everest. Furthermore, it is linked to Western Way, a road providing direct access to local highways.

New Permit for Animal Kingdom

A pertinent snapshot from the permit illustrates a proposed parking area designed to accommodate four WDI trailers and a trailer belonging to an external contractor. Such trailers are generally associated with projects that necessitate a consistent and substantial workforce. A comparable arrangement was observed during the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’ project at EPCOT.

Intriguingly, the upcoming project will be situated in close proximity to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Conservation Station, areas that have been the subject of ongoing speculation. There will be a designated access route leading to the Conservation Station. Towards the south, visible infrastructure supports Kali River Rapids, while further south lie Expedition Everest and DinoLand USA. A pedestrian pathway will be established connecting to the Expedition Everest attraction zone.

What To Expect

Zootopia Show Artist Rendering - Tree of Life theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
At Destination D23 2023, it was announced that a new show based on “Zootopia” is being created for the Tree of Life theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The current concept for the new “Zootopia” experience has guests visiting the different biomes seen briefly in the film, traveling along with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and other characters. Imagineers are currently finalizing the concept and more details will be coming in the future. (Disney)

The permit indisputably indicates a substantial undertaking is on the horizon for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, although it doesn’t provide any clues about the nature of the project. Disney has openly declared intentions to revamp DinoLand USA with a “Tropical Americas Concept” that would feature Indiana Jones and Encanto, as well as transforming the “It’s Tough to Be A Bug” show into a new show themed around Zootopia.

In conclusion, the filing of this new permit is a promising sign that Disney’s Animal Kingdom is set to undergo significant changes. While the specifics of this project remains a mystery, it’s an exciting time to know that something big is on the docket for Animal Kingdom.

As always, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog to get all the latest developments from inside the Disney parks and around the Disney Vacation Club resorts!

Written by

Rachel Van Norman


Contributing Writer

Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.

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